Echo vs. Home: What’s the difference?

Tuesday

Jun 13, 2017 at 2:01 AM

Deena Bouknight More Content Now

In the current clash between Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home, which has more techno brainpower? USA Today reported late last year a “virtual standoff” between the two. Here is a look at some highlights of them both. You decide. Amazon EchoLook: Black cylinder tower shape; stands at 9.2 inches tallPower: Plug-inMusic: Can stream from phoneCommands: Connects to Amazon Assistant; listens all the time and only glows blue to its wake word: “Alexa” Price: Around $179Extra smarts: Phone tracking, games, booksLimitations: Vague followup questions tough to understand; user must specifically word each questionGoogle HomeLook: White with interchangeable color bases; stands at 5.6 inches — the size of a small vase or air freshenerPower: Plug-inMusic: Can stream music through Chromecast Audio and control with phoneCommands: Connects to Google; listens all the time and LED-light activated with the wake words: “OK, Google”Price: Around $129Extra smarts: Audio output and YouTube TV casting via ChromecastLimitations: Cannot add events to Google Calendar using voice.

USA Today surmised in its December 2016 report that Google Home may be a tad bit “smarter” primarily due to the “oceanic knowledge of Google.” Both connect with particular smart home integration services for controlling lighting, temperature, etc. And both pull music, podcasts and radio from popular servers. They essentially act as mini robotic assistants for daily schedules, lists, traffic, weather, news and research, but also provide entertainment.

Tech experts indicate these devices are just laying the groundwork for the smart home revolution to come. In the near future, expect Amazon Echo and Google Home to enhance sound quality and offer portability and even more features.